Can A Dislocated Shoulder Be Fixed?

The shoulder joint is highly susceptible to dislocation, as it has the most varied range of motion out of all joints in the body. A shoulder dislocation can be excruciating, and this injury accounts for many visits to the emergency room. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, our orthopedist in Garden City specializes in treating shoulder-related injuries. Continue reading to discover how a dislocated shoulder can be fixed! 

What Is A Dislocated Shoulder?

The shoulder is a highly mobile ball and socket joint that can become dislocated when enough force is exerted on the arm to shift the ball out from the socket. This injury most commonly occurs after a hard hit during contact sports, falls, or motor vehicle accidents. If your shoulder slips out of place, you will likely experience severe pain and difficulty moving the arm, and there may be a visible deformity. A dislocated shoulder needs to be treated immediately. Fortunately, our orthopedist in Garden City can help fix the dislocation and repair any instability issues. 

Can A Dislocated Shoulder Be Fixed?

A shoulder dislocation is initially treated nonsurgically. Our orthopedist in Garden City can place the ball portion of the shoulder back into the socket through manual manipulation. This relocation restores the shoulder’s position and generally relieves severe pain. After the shoulder is repositioned, our staff may perform imaging tests to ensure the joint is properly back in place. Our orthopedist will then evaluate and determine whether to treat your injury nonoperatively or surgically. Nonoperative treatment involves an initial resting period followed by rehabilitation to restore strength, stability, and range of motion of your shoulder. Here are some of the ways our experts at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation may treat your shoulder dislocation:

• Immobilization – After restoring your shoulder bones back into their proper positions, we may recommend a special sling to keep your shoulder from moving. The length of your immobilization will depend on the nature of your dislocation and how soon the sling was applied after the injury. 
• Medication – We may prescribe pain medication to keep you comfortable as the shoulder heals. 
• Rehabilitation – Once your sling is removed, we’ll introduce a gradual rehabilitation program to restore your joint’s strength, stability, and mobility. 
• Surgery – If you have weak shoulder ligaments or joints and experience recurrent dislocations, you may need surgery to correct this issue. 

Contact Us

Shoulder dislocations can be extremely painful, but early intervention from our orthopedist in Garden City can help improve your symptoms and prevent a recurrence. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, our orthopedic experts will outline the best treatment for your injury. Be sure to contact our orthopedist today to learn more about dislocations and request an appointment!